Swelling and microcracking of boron carbide subjected to fast neutron irradiations

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Applied Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.346370· OSTI ID:6411582

Stoto, T; Housseau, N; Zuppiroli, L ^[1]; Kryger, B ^[2]

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1. Laboratoire des Solides Irradies, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau (France)
2. Laboratoire des Materiaux Absorbants (D. TECH/SECS/LMA), Centre d'Etudes Nucleaires de Saclay, 91191 Gif sur Yvette (France)

The neutron absorbing ceramic boron carbide was irradiated in the Phenix fast breeder reactor between 600 and 1500 {degree}C. Selected pellets were observed at different magnifications using optical ceramography, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The bulk swelling was measured as a function of the burn-up and compared to a recent model based on microstructural observations. Intergranular microcracking was identified as the main source of troubles in the use of boron carbide at high fluence levels and studied in relation with our recent models.

• OSTI ID: 6411582
• Journal Information: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics; (USA) Vol. 68:7; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360206* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Radiation Effects
BARYONS
BORON CARBIDES
BORON COMPOUNDS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CRACKS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FAST NEUTRONS
FERMIONS
HADRONS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MICROSCOPY
MICROSTRUCTURE
NEUTRONS
NUCLEONS
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION EFFECTS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SWELLING
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE